Trump team chooses Springfield visit for symbolic, tactical reasons

Air Force One is scheduled to touch down at Springfield-Branson National Airport around 2 p.m. Wednesday ahead of President Donald Trump's speech at a local manufacturing company.

A senior White House official told the Springfield News Leader the town was chosen for symbolic reasons, including its connection with historic Route 66, America's "Main Street." The president has said before that he wants to "bring main street back."

The president will deliver a 30- to 45-minute speech about his proposed tax overhaul at the Loren Cook Company, a company that makes ventilation equipment. The Cook Company donated close to $250,000 to Republican candates in Missouri in 2016.

Missouri is considered a key state in the president's effort pass a major tax bill in the House and Senate.

The visit to Springfield will be brief. The president is scheduled to leave immediately following his speech.